Forests Edge Ash's P.O.V.

Myria says "Maybe strange was bad wording, you don't smell bad or anything."

"So what exactly do I smell like? I'm not mad, I really want to know."

Myria says "Well, the main scent is hard to put into words, I guess the closest I can think of would be predator."

"Okay, what type though?"

Myria says "No type, just pure predator."

"Why is that strange?"

Myria says "Because I've never smelled anything that was just predator."

"But you said main smell, so there are others?"

Myria says "Yes, underneath there is cat musk and a hint of demon."

"Well, that makes sense, I am a type of lion, and I became at least part demon."

Myria says "Hmm, I'm not explaining this very well. Have you ever used your scent ability?"

"Um, no? At least I don't think so."

Myria says "That is part of the problem then. Here, smell me."

Myria leans forward and tilts her head to the side, offering me her neck. I lean in, putting my face close to her neck, and as I do I notice she is shivering. I take a deep breath through my nose and massive amounts of information flood into my brain.

I can smell Myria, I know what she ate for the last few meals, I can even smell that she is excited right now. So she is shivering from excitement, does sniffing like this have more meaning among beastmen? I can also smell Alannis and Leyla, and every different plant within fifty feet.

"Wow, that was a lot of information!"

Myria says "Yes, the first time can be quite overwhelming. Once you get used to it it can be extremely useful."

Alannis says "Useful how?"

Myria says "Tracking is the main use, but also you can learn about opponents by scent as well."

"Learn about them?"

Myria says "Yes, emotions have smells, and so do certain types of powers. Try again but this time focus as much as you can on my scent."

Again I lean in and take a deep breath through my nose, I can smell the blood rushing under her skin as she blushes. She is definitely enjoying this, I also hear her sniffing me at the same time. I think I found what she wanted me to, the pure scent of bunnygirl, it's actually nothing like a normal bunny.

"So, when you say I smell of cat, you don't mean a catman or even a lion?"

Myria says "That's right! You smell of pure cat, like all the big cats rolled into one."

"Myria, you can keep up with the horses on foot right?"

Myria says "Of course, why?"

"It is getting late, everyone should go get some sleep. Myria, tomorrow I want you to walk with me. I have a lot of questions about the beastmen."

Myria says "Sure! I will be happy to!"

Alannis and Leyla say "Goodnight!"

After watching them all head off to sleep I enter meditation to work on my core some more. I am not going to neglect it again!

Core Upgrade Progress: 10% +10 DP

Core Upgrade Progress: 15%

Before I know it the sun is rising, after ranking up the work on my core is a lot harder. After eating breakfast and breaking camp we finally head out into the grasslands. The plan is to head south for a full day, then tomorrow we will turn west.

That should put us far enough south to be out of the area the city patrols. Once we cross the road all we have to do is keep heading west until we reach the forest. I expect the rebels will locate us before we get to the forest.

The only real concern is where the king's troops are and what they are planning. Hopefully our trip east has completely thrown them off, I did my best to make it look like we are heading for the Illium border. Even if we do get found I think we should be able to handle them.

As I am thinking about strategies and backup plans Myria comes to walk alongside me. I will never admit it out loud but she is definitely a treat for the eyes. I need to focus! I need to learn about beastmen, not stare at her like a fool.

"So, before I start asking questions, why don't you tell me about yourself."

Myria says "If you wish. I was of course born to the bunny tribe, my childhood was fairly normal, but my attitude wasn't. I wanted to become a warrior, more than anything else, and that was forbidden."

"Why was it forbidden?"

Myria says "Because, women are weak and not allowed to be warriors. Especially in the bunny tribe which is not known for strength."

"Do all tribes consider women weak? If so, them meeting Ruby is bound to go badly."

Myria says "Most tribes do, yes. Do you plan on meeting the tribes?"

"I need to go to the tallest mountain on the continent which is in beastman territory."

Myria says "Korabos? The Sacred Giant? You want to go on pilgrimage?"

"Huh? I need to climb it."

Myria looks at me in shock and says "Climb the Sacred Giant? Are you insane?"

"Heh, probably, but that was the Goddess' command."

Myria says "Well, getting there won't be hard. All the tribes respect the pilgrimage and will honor it. No one will attack you unless you attack them first."

"That's good to know, I take it you can guide us there?"

Myria says "Yes! Yes! Does this mean you will let me join you?"

"Yes, you can join us."

Myria no class has joined the party!

Myria says "Thank you! I promise you won't regret this!"

"From what you were saying about life debt I doubt I could get rid of you anyway."

Myria says "True, even if you drove me away I would just follow you anyway."

"Anyway, you were saying you wanted to become a warrior?"

Myria says "Yes, I wouldn't give up on it no matter what the tribe said or did to me. That was why I was cast out."